You may have read, or heard about, a cream called BEC5 (brand name Curaderm) that claims to heal non-melanoma type skin cancers. The active ingredient in this cream is reported to be eggplant extract. Earlier in the year it was featured on Dr. Oz’s popular talk show blog and ever since I’ve had questions from patients about whether or not it works. That’s why I’d like to give you some information about eggplant extract and the reported skin-cancer healing properties. First, let me give you some information on skin cancer. Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure – Too Little vs. Too […]
A tropical American fruit, cherimoyas are popular in the Southern hemisphere and Spain. In Britain they’re called custard apples which aptly describes their texture and flavor. Cherimoyas can be purchased online from Amazon.com or melissas.com and need to be allowed to ripen until soft before using. The black seeds are poisonous when crushed, so be sure to discard them. Cherimoyas offer vitamin B6—an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, vitamin C, iron, and riboflavin for cell energy. These small, candy-like balls have a custardy flavor. Since many people have never tried cherimoyas, I like to serve them this way at parties as […]
The holidays always call for plenty of desserts. Whether I’m throwing a party, giving gifts of food, or reliving holidays past through sweet treats, desserts are integral to my life this month. I’ll share a few of my favorite recipes with you. Every year I host a Christmas caroling party at my home. Choirs from churches all over the area stop by to sing in my living room. Sometimes a Filipino celebrity or two will perform. My guests just love it. I like to put out a dinner buffet so that the choirs have something to eat before they go […]
The New Year is just beginning and many of you have resolved to make some healthy changes in your life. Some of you may want to lose a few pounds, or plan to get more exercise, which are both important changes to make. However, you may not be aware that one of the easiest, yet most important things, you can do to create a healthier you is to change your diet. That’s right. By simply adding more of the right foods to your diet, and decreasing the wrong ones, you can dial down your risk for getting serious disease and […]
For years, diet specialists, and many doctors, have told you that certain foods were forbidden for either losing weight, keeping cholesterol down, or some other health reason. Similarly,
Enjoying a hot cup of tea is a cherished daily ritual in many cultures, offering both comfort and incredible health benefits. In the UK, for instance, the 4 p.m. cuppa is practically sacred—and for good reason! Black tea is packed with powerful antioxidants like catechins, flavonoids, theaflavins, and magnesium, which support heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. These compounds also help protect against certain cancers, promote dental health, and enhance weight loss by boosting metabolism. Additionally, black tea improves circulation, strengthens blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and keeps arteries healthy while […]
We’ve just started a new year and many of you may be trying to recoup from overindulgence
Did you know that your risk of suffering from cardiovascular death is the greatest in the two-hour time period after you eat a meal? That’s partly because during that time, you can experience dangerous blood sugar spikes that acutely impair blood flow through vital arteries, ultimately leading to a heart attack or stroke.
If you’re a health-conscious cook, beans belong on your menu several times a week. Whether you are
When reading Dr. Eric R. Braverman’s book, Younger (Thinner) You Diet, I was impressed by how much space he devotes to eating foods that promote brain health. I’ve known for years that eating the right antioxidant-rich, organic foods can keep your body young and healthy.